Grandpa and granny worked on family history. They wrote letters to a distant cousin in Maine, Mary Talbot, who helped them with their research. Several years ago, I copied the letters trying to see that all the temple work was done. Following is an excerpt from a letter written by our granny to Mary. Though Mary Talbot was not a member of the church, she requested her temple work be done after her death.
The letter is dated April 6, 1964. SLC:
"...Perhaps the beginning of this was the visit of our father to his lovely native state. Your letters have always been an inspiration to us, and we have acknowledged your brilliant memory and interest you have had in us, and our families. You have been so willing and helpful to Henry and me with our family records, where else Mary could we have ever gotten the information you have given to us. I have never before told you this, but I'm going to now. In our church we have Patriarchs called to give blessings to any member who desires, and who is worthy to receive this blessing, and through the spirit of his calling, sometimes mentions things that will come if they (the person) lives worthy of them.
Quite some time before we came to S.L. to live, I had a blessing given to me, I was depressed and my health had not been too good, and I felt I needed some thing to help me along. Among other choice things that were said, one was that the way would be opened up for me, to do work in the Temple for many of my kindred dead, and especially many who would not have that privilege to do for themselves. Mary at that time little had we ever thought of coming to live in S.L.C. After moving here, Henry and I were ask to work on the genealogy committee of our ward. It was a wonderful opportunity for us, and thanks again for you help, we have been able to do work for many, many of our kindred dead. It is our sincere belief that sometime they will have the privilege of hearing and accepting the Gospel. The Pierce's McMullin's, Lufkins. Dear Mary it was through you that your father, and mother, and their children who have past away have had this work done. That is one of the lovely things that has come to us in our lives. We know that when that time comes they will know that it is true..."